The project of Ioanna Gika and Leopold Ross, Io Echo combines atmospheric synth pop with Asian elements including Japanese koto and Chinese violins. Ross, who also plays bass in the Big Pink, was introduced to Gika by a mutual friend and soon began writing songs together, inspired by the Velvet Underground and '90s industrial among other influences. The duo released their debut EP in October 2012 and gigged with the likes of Bloc Party, Nine Inch Nails, Cults, and Zola Jesus. The following April, Io Echo's first full-length Ministry of Love arrived, coinciding with their tour with Garbage. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi